What They Are Prescribed For

Nicotine replacement products are used to help people
stop smoking. These products work best as part of a program that also includes education, counseling, and/or psychological support.

How Nicotine Replacement Products Work

These products provide
nicotine
without the cigarette and help to wean your body off of nicotine. The typical effects of withdrawal are reduced as your body adjusts to not smoking. The products provide you with progressively lower doses of nicotine until you stop using them.

The nicotine patch
releases nicotine through your skin and into your bloodstream.

Nicotine gum
is chewed slowly, and then stored between the gum and cheek so that the nicotine can be absorbed through the lining of your mouth and into your bloodstream.

Nicotine lozenges are allowed to dissolve slowly in your mouth to release nicotine at a slow rate.

Nicotine nasal spray
contains small doses of nicotine that are sprayed into your nasal passages and absorbed into your bloodstream.

A nicotine inhaler contains nicotine that is inhaled through the mouth and is absorbed in the mouth and throat.

Sometimes these products are used in combination, like the patch along with the lozenges, which may help some people stay smoke-free.

Precautions While Taking These Medicines

Do Not Smoke

Smoking and using nicotine replacement products can be dangerous because nicotine can build up to toxic levels. Since your goal is to quit smoking entirely, you should not smoke while using a nicotine replacement product. If you still have the urge to smoke, you may need an additional strategy to quit.

See Your Doctor

Patches, lozenges, and gums can be purchased over-the-counter, but the nasal spray and inhaler require a prescription. Your doctor will help you determine the appropriate dosage. Also, your doctor can prescribe additional smoking cessation aids and can refer you to a counselor,
support group, or other services that may help you quit smoking. People who combine several quitting strategies often have the most success.

Do Not Overuse These Products

After quitting smoking, the goal is to end your use of the nicotine replacement products as well. Here are guidelines for how long you should use these products:

Nicotine patch—Do not use longer than 6-12 weeks.

Nicotine gum—Do not chew or use more than 24 pieces a day; do not use longer than 12 weeks.

Nicotine lozenges—Do not use more than 20 lozenges a day; do not use longer than 12 weeks.

Nicotine nasal spray—Do not use longer than 12 weeks.

Nicotine inhaler—Do not use longer than 12 weeks.

If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding, Talk to Your Doctor

If you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor to select a safe method to quit smoking. Ask if nicotine replacement products are a good option for you.

Be Careful Around Children

Children can be seriously harmed by any amount of nicotine. Keep these products, including used patches, away from children.

Use With Adolescents and Older Adults

Nicotine replacement products are believed to be safe for adolescents and older adults. People with dentures, though, should avoid using nicotine gum because it could cause damage.

Manage Your Medications

Tell your doctor about all the medications you take. Some should not be taken when you are quitting smoking with nicotine replacement products, while others may require a different dosage level.

Be Cautious With Certain Conditions

The presence of other conditions may affect the use of nicotine replacement products. Tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, such as:

Possible Side Effects

There are side effects associated with taking nicotine replacement products. The side effects you may experience will depend on the type of product you choose. For example, rash has been associated with using the patch while nasal irritation has been associated with using the nasal spray.

If you experience side effects, talk to your doctor. A different product may be recommended.

Symptoms of Nicotine Overdose

It is possible to overdose on nicotine when you use nicotine replacement products. Some symptoms of an overdose include:

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.